Liberty targets Japan with ex-Tokio Marine exec

Liberty International Underwriters (LIU) is targeting growth in Japan by hiring long-time Tokio Marine executive Kohei Watanabe to establish a Japan desk in its Singapore office.

Watanabe (pictured) was previously manager of corporate lines and a deputy manager at Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance in Tokyo and a business development executive at Tokio Marine Kiln in London.

Matthew Jackson, senior vice-president and Asia leader at LIU, commented: “We see Japan as a market of interest and growth potential for Liberty. Over the past few years the majority of our product lines have experienced greater opportunity and demand for the tailored underwriting solutions we can offer.”

Jackson, based in Singapore, added: “Many of our major broking partners are also experiencing growth in their Japanese portfolios so this appointment is timely on a number of fronts. [Watanabe] will form a dedicated Japan desk based in our Singapore office and is able to connect brokers and their clients in Japan with our broad range of products.”

13 employees from the Ironshore business joined Liberty’s teams in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore; around a dozen staff were made redundant. Ironshore’s business lines include warranty and indemnity, trade credit, political risk and war and terrorism.